SIX - 2019 - Chicago (Regional) Articles Page 12

There is a moment, somewhere between the knife-thrower's insane grin and Brian the Goose making his entrance with the unruffled authority of a minor aristocrat, when you simply have to give in to the magic. Giffords Circus has this effect on people. It has had this effect on people for twenty-six years, and Waterfield — this season's new production, themed around the riverbanks and hedgerows of an England that exists mainly in children's literature — gives absolutely no indication that the spell is about to wear off.

The Cleveland Play House is launching the world premiere of the new musical Freak the Mighty. Adapted from Rodman Philbrick’s novel, the story follows the adventures of two young outsiders who form an unlikely friendship.

Acclaimed GRAMMY-nominated band Gov’t Mule, led by GRAMMY-winning guitar legend, vocalist, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes, and nine-time GRAMMY-winning reggae icon Ziggy Marley have announced the Dreaming The Same Dream Tour.

GRAMMY-nominated band Gov’t Mule, led by Warren Haynes, and nine-time GRAMMY-winning reggae icon Ziggy Marley, will hit the road for the Dreaming The Same Dream Tour.

Guildhall School of Music & Drama announced 52 Summer Schools courses, including 11 brand-new offerings for participants aged 8 and above, covering drama, writing, music, and production arts.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center announced 12 individual artists and one ensemble selected for its competitive Bowers Program, a three-season residency chosen from 192 international candidates.

Goldenvoice announced the 2026 PORTOLA MUSIC FESTIVAL lineup, headlined by Robyn, DOG BLOOD, and Swedish House Mafia at Pier 80 in San Francisco, with additional sets from Four Tet, Fatboy Slim, Tiësto, and more.

Clark, Pell & King Productions will present the world premiere of MOMMA WON'T DIE, a dark comedy based on a true story, at Bryant Hall at Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, directed by Del Shores.

Lake Tahoe Dance Collective will present its 14th annual Lake Tahoe Dance Festival, featuring artists from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Broadway across multiple venues in North Lake Tahoe.

Comedian Iliza Shlesinger will bring her comedy tour to Prudential Hall at NJPAC in Newark, performing material spanning relationships, modern dating, and everyday life.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts has announced three new additions to the 2026-2027 Kauffman Center Presents series lineup. Learn more about the shows here!

Andrew Doherty announced a new comedy horror show, REVIEWERS WELCOME… TO DIE!, for a full month-long run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, following sold-out runs of his previous shows and a BBC Radio 4 debut.

The two-time Latin Grammy-nominated ensemble Mariachi Herencia de México will perform a tribute to Juan Gabriel at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, with tickets starting at $45.

Laguna Playhouse will present RED, John Logan's Tony Award-winning two-character drama about painter Mark Rothko, directed by J. Scott Lapp, starring Rob Nagle and James Hayden Rodriguez to close its 2025-2026 season.

After a two-year run, Country Music Hall of Fame legend Randy Travis will conclude the More Life Tour this fall with stops in Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, New England, Texas, and beyond.

On the business side, ATG Entertainment is reportedly being prepared for a possible sale by its private equity owner, while Pittsburgh Public Theater terminated its staff ahead of its merger with Pittsburgh CLO — two stories that speak to the consolidation and financial pressures reshaping the industry. Against that backdrop, Milwaukee Repertory Theater stands out as a striking counterexample: the company has nearly doubled its operating budget since 2020, opened a landmark $80 million theater complex, and is expanding its season to 13 productions, fueled by a philosophy of investing in artists and audiences rather than contracting.

Ed Harris has revealed that he will be returning to the stage this year, starring alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Allison Janney in a production of Jon Robin Baitz's family drama, Other Desert Cities.

Two-time Tony Award nominee Megan Hilty isn’t on an official concert tour, but that hasn’t stopped the popular Broadway and television performer from booking numerous upcoming dates including three in the Bay State alone.

Burning Coal Theatre Company's Second Stage Series will present three works by emerging artists — SHADOWS IN RED LIGHT, DANGER!, and DR. RIDE'S AMERICAN BEACH HOUSE — in repertory in Raleigh, NC.

This summer, Chicago is offering a wide variety of plays and musicals, as well as comedy, dance, music, and more. To highlight these productions, The League of Chicago Theatres is publishing its Summer Theatre Guide.

Regal Entertainments Ltd will present ACHY BREAKY BRIDE at St Helens Theatre Royal, with Leanne Campbell reprising her acclaimed role as Jolene alongside X Factor star David Heath and a full ensemble cast.

Write Out Loud announced its panel of judges for the 2026 songwriting contest, including Tom Kitt, Jaime Lozano, Madeline Myers, and others with credits spanning HAMILTON, NEXT TO NORMAL, and SIX.

Anthony Durone, president of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Board of Trustees, has announced that Deborah Sandler Kemper, the company's General Director and Chief Executive Officer since 2012, will be retiring effective June 30, 2027, after 15 years of leadership.

Burning Coal Theatre Company will present WAIT TIL YOU SEE THIS! 2026, featuring three plays in repertory by emerging artists, including works by Roné Sargent, Lucius Robinson, and Liza Birkenmeier, at its Raleigh, NC venue.

Comedian Liv Rocklin brings her award-winning musical comedy AN AMERICAN (NOT) IN PARIS to the Edinburgh Fringe, performing at Just the Tonic at The Mash House after wins at Orlando and Pittsburgh Fringe festivals.